Multilayer thermal garment adapted for emitting heat energy to predetermined targeted regions of the body

ABSTRACT

A multilayer thermal garment includes an insulating liner for residing adjacent the body of a wearer. The insulating liner forms in inside layer of the garment. An outer shell covers the liner, and forms an outer layer of the garment. A plurality of pockets are located between the insulating liner and the outer shell. The pockets are adapted for selectively receiving respective heat packs designed for emitting heat to predetermined targeted regions of the body.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a lightweight, multilayer thermal garment adapted for emitting heat energy to predetermined targeted regions of the body. The invention is especially applicable for use by outdoorsmen in cold climates. The invention is designed to resemble a conventional thermal garment, such as a pullover top, bottom, socks, cap, earmuffs, gloves, and the like. For maximum weather protection, the outer shell fabric of the garment is breathable, windproof, and waterproof. The invention utilizes conventional instant heat packs which may be custom arranged by the wearer in various locations of the garment, and which reside inside a relatively thick insulating liner safely away from the skin.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a thermal garment which is designed to emit heat energy to predetermined targeted regions of the body.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal garment which can be conveniently customized by the wearer.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal garment which is relatively lightweight.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal garment which is designed to resemble a conventional pullover, pant, cap, or other garment.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal garment which is windproof, waterproof, and breathable.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal garment which is comfortable to wear.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal garment which will not burn or otherwise injure the skin.

It is another object of the invention to provide a thermal garment which emits constant heat energy for a period of up to 24 hours.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a multilayer thermal garment. The garment includes an insulating liner for residing adjacent the body of a wearer. The insulating liner forms in inside layer of the garment. An outer shell covers the liner, and forms an outer layer of the garment. A plurality of pockets are located between the insulating liner and the outer shell. The pockets are adapted for selectively receiving respective heat packs designed for emitting heat to predetermined targeted regions of the body.

According to another preferred embodiment, the insulating liner comprises a fleece fabric.

According to another preferred embodiment, the insulating liner further includes aluminized polypropylene insulation adapted for reflecting dispersed heat back to the wearer.

According to another preferred embodiment, the outer shell comprises a water repellent fabric.

According to another preferred embodiment, the outer shell has elastic cuffs to promote enhanced weather protection.

According to another preferred embodiment, the outer shell has an elastic waist.

According to another preferred embodiment, the plurality of pockets are integrally formed together with an elongated strip of fabric.

According to another preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of pockets has an elastic opening adapted for receiving and containing a heat pack.

According to another preferred embodiment, the insulating liner and outer shell are substantially co-extensive.

In another embodiment, the invention is a multilayer thermal garment including an insulating liner for residing adjacent the body of a wearer, and forming in inside layer of the garment. An outer shell covers the liner, and forms an outer layer of the garment. A plurality of pockets are located between the insulating liner and the outer shell. At least one heat pack is carried within one of the plurality of pockets, and is designed for emitting heat to a predetermined targeted region of the body.

According to another preferred embodiment, the heat pack generates a temperature of between 104° F. and 156°Fahrenheit.

According to another preferred embodiment, the heat pack weighs less than 1.5 oz.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is front side perspective view of a multilayer thermal garment according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and showing the hidden pockets and heat packs in phantom;

FIG. 2 is a back side perspective view of the thermal garment with the hidden pockets and heat packs shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a front side perspective view of the thermal garment with a portion of the outer shell removed;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the thermal garment demonstrating insertion of a heat pack within one of the hidden pockets between the insulating and outer layers;

FIG. 5 is a front side perspective view of the thermal garment turned inside out;

FIG. 6 is a back side perspective view of the thermal garment turned inside out;

FIG. 7 is front side perspective view of a thermal garment according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and showing the hidden pockets and heat packs in phantom;

FIG. 8 is a back side perspective view of the thermal garment with the hidden pockets and heat packs shown in phantom;

FIG. 9 is a front side perspective view of the thermal garment with a portion of the outer shell removed;

FIG. 10 is a front side perspective view of the thermal garment turned inside out;

FIG. 11 is a back side perspective view of the thermal garment turned inside out;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a thermal garment according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, and showing the hidden pockets and heat packs in phantom;

FIG. 13 is a further perspective view of the thermal garment with a portion of the outer shell removed; and

FIG. 14 is a further perspective view of the thermal garment turned inside out.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a multilayer thermal garment according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The garment 10 is adapted for emitting heat to predetermined targeted regions of the body, and is especially applicable for use by outdoorsmen in outdoor pursuits, such as hunting, fishing and camping, snow skiers, mountain climbers, hikers, and the like. The garment 10 comprises a number of interior, hidden pockets 11 designed for selectively receiving and holding respective heat packs 12. The heat packs 12, described further below, are strategically located by the wearer to heat only desired regions of the body. The garment 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 is a multilayer thermal pullover top. For enhanced weather protection, the garment 10 has elastic cuffs 14, 15 and an elastic waist 16.

Referring to FIG. 3, the garment 10 includes multiple layers comprising an insulating liner 21, an outer shell 22 covering the liner 21, and a number of pocket strips 23A, 23B, and 23C located between the liner 21 and outer shell 22. The insulating liner 21 resides adjacent the body, and forms an innermost layer of the garment 10. The liner 21 is preferably made of a soft, bulky, deep-piled knitted or woven fabric, such as fleece, with aluminized polypropylene adapted for reflecting dispersed heat back to the wearer. The outer shell 22 forms an outermost layer of the garment 10, and is made of a lightweight, breathable, windproof, and waterproof fabric, such as GORE-TEX® manufactured by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. The insulating liner 21 and outer shell 22 are substantially co-extensive.

The pocket strips 23A, 23B, 23C, shown in FIG. 3, form an intermediate layer of the garment 10, and are sewn directly to the fleece liner 21 between the liner 21 and outer shell 22. As such, the outer shell 22 is completely free of any pocket stitch lines which may detract from the aesthetic appearance and water-repellent nature of the garment 10. According to one preferred arrangement, pocket strips 23A are designed for extending around the torso of the wearer, while strips extend 23B vertically along each sleeve. Each torso strip 23A is sewn along respective longitudinal edges directly to the fleece liner 21, and laterally at spaced intervals. The longitudinal and lateral stitch lines 25, 26 cooperate to define the hidden pockets 11 between the fleece liner 21 and outer shell 22, as best shown in FIG. 4. Each strip 23A, 23B, 23C comprises between 1-8 pockets 11. Elastic access slits 28, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, are formed with the fleece liner 21 to provide convenient access to each of the pockets 11 from an inside of the garment 10. Each pocket 11 is designed to receive a single heat packet 12. The garment 10 may also include separate upper chest and upper back pockets 11 formed by respective strips 23C. For added comfort, the pocket strips 23A, 23B, 23C may include longitudinally-lain elastic yarns.

The heat packs 12, best shown in FIG. 4, are preferably activated instantly (within less than 20 minutes) upon exposure to air, and emit heat energy within a temperature range of 100 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for a continuous period of between 10 and 24 hours. According to one embodiment, each pack 12 weighs less than 1.5 oz and has a relatively compact dimension of 2½″×4″. The heat packs 12 may be reusable or disposable. Examples of suitable commercial products include the OUTDOOR WARMER™ by Okamoto Industries, Inc. and HOT HANDS® by Heatmax Corporation. The primary ingredients of the OUTDOOR WARMER™ are iron powder, Water, and activated carbon. When the pouch is opened, these ingredients are exposed to oxygen in the air which starts a chemical reaction, known as oxidization. Water, activated carbon and other ingredients accelerate the oxidization and it generates heat while the iron powder turns to rust.

A further embodiment of a thermal garment 30 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7-11. The garment 30 is a multilayer thermal bottom applicable for wear by itself or in combination with the thermal top 10 described above. Like garment 10, the garment 30 has hidden pockets 31 for selectively holding respective heat packs 32, and elastic cuffs 34, 35 and an elastic waist 36 for enhanced weather protection.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the thermal garment 30 has multiple layers comprising an insulating liner 41, an outer shell 42 covering the liner 41, and a number of pocket strips 43 located between the liner 41 and outer shell 42. The insulating liner 41 resides adjacent the body, and forms an innermost layer of the garment 30. As previously described, the liner 41 is preferably made of a soft, bulky, deep-piled knitted or woven fabric, such as fleece, with aluminized polypropylene adapted for reflecting dispersed heat back to the wearer. The outer shell 42 forms an outermost layer of the garment 30, and is made of a lightweight, breathable, windproof, and waterproof fabric, such as GORE-TEX®. Like in garment 10, the insulating liner 41 and outer shell 42 are substantially co-extensive.

As described above, the pocket strips 43 form an intermediate layer of the garment 30, and are sewn directly to the fleece liner 41 between the liner 41 and outer shell 42. As such, the outer shell 42 is completely free of any pocket stitch lines which may detract from the aesthetic appearance and water-repellent nature of the garment 30. According to one preferred arrangement, pocket strips 43 are designed for extending along a length of each leg. Each strip 43 is sewn along respective longitudinal edges directly to the fleece liner 41, and laterally at spaced intervals. The longitudinal and lateral stitch lines 45, 46 cooperate to define the hidden pockets 31 between the fleece liner 41 and outer shell 42. Each strip 43 comprises between 1-8 pockets 31. Elastic access slits 48, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, are formed with the fleece liner 41 to provide convenient access to each of the pockets 31 from an inside of the garment 30. Each pocket 31 is designed to receive a single heat packet 32. For added comfort, the pocket strips 43 may include longitudinally-lain elastic yarns.

A third embodiment of a thermal garment 50 according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. 12-14. The garment 50 is a multilayer thermal cap with hidden pockets 51 for selectively holding respective heat packs 52. Like garments 10 and 30, the garment 50 has multiple layers comprising an insulating liner 61, an outer shell 62 covering the liner 61, and a pocket strip 63 located between the liner 61 and outer shell 62. The insulating liner 61 resides adjacent the head, and forms an innermost layer of the garment 50. As previously described, the liner 61 is preferably made of a soft, bulky, deep-piled knitted or woven fabric, such as fleece, with aluminized polypropylene adapted for reflecting dispersed heat back to the wearer. The outer shell 62 forms an outermost layer of the garment, and is made of a lightweight, breathable, windproof, and waterproof fabric, such as GORE-TEX®. Like in garments 10 and 30, the insulating liner 61 and outer shell 62 are substantially co-extensive.

The pocket strip 63 forms an intermediate layer of the garment 50, and is sewn directly to the fleece liner 61 between the liner 61 and outer shell 62. The strip 63 is sewn along respective longitudinal edges directly to the fleece liner 61, and laterally at spaced intervals. The longitudinal and lateral stitch lines 65, 66 cooperate to define the hidden pockets 51 between the fleece liner 61 and outer shell 62. Elastic access slits 68, shown in FIG. 14, are formed with the fleece liner 61 to provide convenient access to each of the pockets 51 from an inside of the garment 50. Each pocket 51 is designed to receive a single heat packet 52.

A multilayer thermal garment according to various embodiments of the present invention is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims. 

1. A multilayer thermal garment, comprising: an insulating liner for residing adjacent the body of a wearer, and forming in inside layer of said garment; an outer shell covering said liner, and forming an outer layer of said garment; and a plurality of pockets located between said insulating liner and said outer shell, and adapted for selectively receiving respective heat packs designed for emitting heat to predetermined targeted regions of the body.
 2. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 1, wherein said insulating liner comprises a fleece fabric.
 3. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 2, wherein said insulating liner further comprises aluminized polypropylene insulation adapted for reflecting dispersed heat back to the wearer.
 4. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 1, wherein said outer shell comprises a water repellent fabric.
 5. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 1, wherein said outer shell comprises elastic cuffs to promote enhanced weather protection.
 6. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 1, wherein said outer shell comprises an elastic waist.
 7. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of pockets are integrally formed together with an elongated strip of fabric.
 8. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of pockets comprises an elastic opening adapted for receiving and containing a heat pack.
 9. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 1, wherein said insulating liner and outer shell are substantially co-extensive.
 10. A multilayer thermal garment, comprising: an insulating liner for residing adjacent the body of a wearer, and forming in inside layer of said garment; an outer shell covering said liner, and forming an outer layer of said garment; and a plurality of pockets located between said insulating liner and said outer shell; at least one heat pack carried within one of said plurality of pockets and designed for emitting heat to a predetermined targeted region of the body.
 11. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 10, wherein said heat pack generates a temperature of between 104° F. and 156° Fahrenheit.
 12. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 11, wherein said heat pack weighs less than 1.5 oz.
 13. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 10, wherein said insulating liner comprises a fleece fabric.
 14. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 13, wherein said insulating liner further comprises aluminized polypropylene insulation adapted for reflecting dispersed heat back to the wearer.
 15. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 10, wherein said outer shell comprises a water repellent fabric.
 16. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 10, wherein said outer shell comprises elastic cuffs for promoting enhanced weather protection.
 17. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 10, wherein said outer shell comprises an elastic waist.
 18. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 10, wherein said plurality of pockets are integrally formed together with an elongated strip of fabric.
 19. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of pockets comprises an elastic opening adapted for receiving and containing a heat pack.
 20. A multilayer thermal garment according to claim 10, wherein said insulating liner and outer shell are substantially co-extensive. 